Whoever said red lipstick looks good on anyone really knew their way around the makeup counter! Red lipstick is the universal shade that suits all skin tones, offering bold, punchy colour to bring a statement touch to any look.
However, when it comes to selecting the perfect hue for you, it’s safe to say there’s more than a few choices on offer. From true reds to orangey reds, brick reds to blue-toned reds, we’ve rounded up the best red lipsticks you need for the festive season – and beyond!
The best red lipsticks
True Reds
With a world-renowned reputation for bringing a touch of class, true reds are arguably the most popular, universal shade of red lipstick around. But how do you weed out the weak from the wonderfully pigmented?
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in 'Beso' gives 12-hours of high-impact wear. Rich and creamy, the full-coverage formula coats your lips in ruby red pigment, enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil to keep them feeling smooth and nourished.
MAC Matte Lipstick in ‘Red Rock’ boasts the perfect ‘true-red’ shade to amp up your look. Providing 10-hours of comfortable wear, the rich formula creates an intense pop of colour with a full matte finish.
Looking for a bold red lip that doesn't budge? Look no further! Maybelline’s SuperStay Vinyl Ink Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick Shine Finish in shade ‘Red Hot’ offers the perfect true red hue. The formula is enriched with vitamin E and aloe to condition the lips and prevent cracking, while also offering up to 16 hours of high-pigment wear.
Orange-Reds
If you’re looking for a shade to match your vibrant personality, orangey-reds are the one for you! From summer to winter, these lipsticks have a warm and bright tone to instantly energise your look.
Powered by pigment, Illamasqua Ultramatter Lipstick in 'Liable' imparts a bold pop of colour. The coral-red hue delivers cushion comfort with ultra-matte coverage that resists bleeding or creasing.
Get all the colour and shine with Max Factor’s Lipfinity Lip Color duo in shade 140 ‘Charming’. The rich pigmented shade seamlessly swipes fiery red colour across the lips, with the 2nd step being the top coat. This nourishing stick offers a sheen-like finish, delivering up to 24-hour wearwhile preventing the appearance of a dry, dull-looking pout.
Blue-Toned Reds
Blue-toned red lipsticks look great on all skin tones, from fair to dark. Blue-red lipsticks feature a cool undertone, which is said to make both skin and makeup appear brighter.
Discover airy, cushiony colour with NARS Air Matte Lip Colour in 'Dragon Girl'. Swiping on a pop of bold, featherlight pigment, the liquid lipstick provides maximum impact with every application. The blue-toned red lipstick is perfect for all skin tones, lending a diffused matte effect.
Embrace your main character energy with MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Russian Red', a rich red lipstick with cool blue undertones. This striking shade looks great on all skin tones, providing a vibrant kiss of colour with up to 10-hours of comfortable wear.
Leave your lips ready for the dance floorwith Natasha Denona’s full-coverage, berry-tonedlip colour in shade ‘Emilia’, enriched with emollient waxes, algae extract and milk thistle seed oil for hydration. The bleed-resistant formula helps create a flawless pout, housed in a slim design for effortless precision.
Brick Reds
Brick red lipsticks evoke a classic 90s feel, bringing that 'cool-girl' edge to your outfit. The rich brown undertones present an enigmatic hue that’s perfect for day or night, setting you up for a sultry finish that's sure to stop traffic.
Empowering your pout with a pop of rich, matte colour, MAC’s Matte Lipstick in 'Marrakesh' makes for a striking signature. The brick-red pigment is perfect for amping up your makeup, gliding across the lips for a high-intensity, long-wear finish.
If a sure-fire showstopper is what you seek, reach for Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lipstick in ‘Bloodroses Noir’, a highly-pigmented, creamy matte formula to turn your pout up a notch or two.
Achieve the red lip look of your dreams with Armani’s Lip Matte Nature in shade ‘415 Redwood’ boasting a long-lasting, highly pigmented finish. Not only does this liquid lipstickdeliver rich, kissable colour, but also helps lipsmaintainhydration for a comfortable pout all night long.
